Parts for your 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer-Control arms

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer control-arms: what they do and when to service them

Control-arms are absolutely fitted to the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors Lancer CJ/CF Workshop Manual (Group 33A Front Suspension, Group 33B Rear Suspension), OEM parts catalogues for the CY/CZ/CJ platform, and professional service guides (e.g., Haynes/Autodata) document a MacPherson strut front end with a lower control-arm and a multi-link rear suspension with multiple arms and links. That means control-arms are relevant front and rear on this model.

On this Lancer, the front lower control-arm locates the wheel hub and keeps alignment steady under braking, cornering and over bumps. The rear multi-link setup uses several arms to control toe and camber, keeping the back end planted and the tyres wearing evenly. Each arm pivots on rubber (or hydro) bushes, and the front lower arm typically carries the ball joint that connects to the steering knuckle.

When bushes or ball joints wear, the driver might notice vague steering, a clunk on take-off or over speed humps, shimmy under brakes, feathered or rapid tyre wear, or the car wandering on the motorway. The workshop manual procedures specify checking free play at the ball joint, inspecting bush cracks or fluid leaks (if hydro-bushed), and measuring alignment against spec.

• Service tips: inspect front lower control-arms and rear links at every service or 10,000–15,000 km, and after any curb strike or pothole hit.
• Replacement advice: many arms come complete with bushes and ball joint, this is often more economical and durable than pressing individual bushes.
• Always tighten arm pivot bolts at normal ride height and book a proper four-wheel alignment straight after.
• Consider quality OE or reputable aftermarket arms, cheap bushes can add noise, vibration and early wear.

For higher-kilometre Lancers, especially those driven on rough roads, replacing front lower control-arms can transform steering feel and braking stability. At the rear, worn toe or camber arms commonly show up as inside-edge tyre wear, addressing those arms and then resetting alignment saves tyres and improves safety. A good workshop will road test before and after, recheck torque on fixings, and advise if companion parts (sway bar links, strut tops) are due at the same time.

FAQs

How long do control-arm bushes and ball joints last on a 2010 Lancer?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many see 100,000–160,000 km before noticeable wear, but harsh roads, lowered springs, or big wheels can shorten that. Regular inspections catch early play or bush cracking before it starts eating tyres.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control-arms?
Yes. Front lower arm and rear link changes affect caster, camber and toe. A four-wheel alignment restores factory geometry so it drives straight and the tyres wear evenly.

Can I replace just the bushes, or should I fit complete arms?
Pressed bushes can be replaced if the arm is otherwise sound, but complete arms with pre-fitted bushes and ball joint often save labour and deliver a longer-lasting result. It’s a smart move when the vehicle has higher kilometres.